Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Spokane’s Commissioner of Public Safety Z. E. Hayden wanted to prove he was no elitist. He was happy to expand his proposed ordinance banning card tables, chairs and settees from saloons and cafes. Private clubs should have to comply, too.

“I am a member of the Spokane Club myself and occasionally take a drink there, but I have no objection to including that club and all other clubs, as well as saloons and cafes, in the ordinance I am asking (be) passed.”

As the Chronicle headline that day crowed, “Even Swell Club Members Mustn’t Sit Down to Take a Drink.”

While local police supported the idea – as a way to discipline problem establishments – most of the City Council members, however, didn’t seem too keen on the idea. Within a couple of weeks, the ordinance was dead.

Meanwhile, Hayden urged city commissioners to refuse a request to pay the $110 hospital bill of a man shot by a police officer. Hayden, as head of the police, submitted a report in which the officer involved said the prisoner attempted to escape, and he fired his gun merely “to cripple him.” Commissioners agreed and rejected the man’s request.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1818: Congress decided the U.S. flag would consist of 13 stripes and 20 stars, with a new star to be added for every new state. … 1850: The city of Los Angeles was incorporated. … 1968: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., 39, was shot to death in Memphis, Tenn.